So... Here we go

This, obviously the first post of more than one, is the continuation of my effort to communicate with everyone, (family, friends, co-workers, church-folk) the whole lot of people around me. I began to give updates on the Cleveland trip, my health, & what not through the facebook's notes feature, but it proved a bit limited. Ergo, Whaz Shakin' Baby is born. Laughter... good.

I'm going to try to be very transparent in this blog. I ask that you do not share it or it's contents with anyone. As before, I'm sending this out to people who I consider "safe". If your reading this, it's because I think you care, will pray for me and my family, and will respect my privacy.

I'll start with the past just so I have an accurate record.

May 4th, 2009, 3pm
"Hey all,
A lot of you know my situation and have asked for updates, and some of you don't know. Regardless, you're getting this note because I think you care and will pray for us.

So here's the Readers Digest version:
As, my epilepsy has gotten worse, I've burned through medications and am strongly considering surgery.

So we have waited and waited as you may know to get into the Cleveland Clinic. Well, a while back, I received a call saying that my files/case were reviewed by not a doctor but by a group of doctors in some sort of Physicians conference/meeting. Furthermore, today I received some dates. July 6th - 14th.

I was contacted by a scheduler and given the basic rundown.
- EEG
- PET scan
- MRI
- DR/Surgeon consultation
- 5 day monitoring
- then we'll see what happens

So, my request, all of this is pretty ominous, and incredibly fast-paced. Please pray obviously for a good outcome, that I would walk away from Cleveland, and never have to take another pill or have another seizure. But also, that Amanda and I would be able to think quickly and clearly. That we would not be overwhelmed by the craziness of the situation, but instead have great discernment to know exactly how to handle all that is thrown our way. Please include the Dr's while you're at it. They are incredible physicians and surgeons, however still human. Last but not least, our daughter will be away from us for a while. So while she'll be glad to be with cousins and friends, she can get nervous and anxious. And her parents will miss her much.

So that's it in a nutshell. I guess.
Thanks for your prayers,
Tony"

Let's move on...
Now, we're a little less than a month out from our trip. None of the above details have changed, but we're getting ever closer. Which is good... and bad. I'm anxious to get there and get this all over with, but at the same time of course there is an element of fear. As I'm just getting started with this blog, I'll start simply by soliciting prayer. For now we don't have a lot of physical needs. That time will come, and I'll try not to be to stubborn about it. But for now simply pray. Bob used to pray over me "Let the peace of Christ reign in your heart... Col 3:15" That's sort of where I've been at lately and were I'll let you take it from there.

That's it for now,
T